Conversations with Ishbel Melendez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ishbel Melendez.

Hi Ishbel , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My business idea began when I was finishing my singing degree. While still interested in the conventional music carreer paths, having something of my own that didn’t rely on conventional platforms and gatekeepers was really important to me. I did not wanna be one of those students that graduates music college and then is like “now what?” and just waits for opportunities to magically fall on them.

So, I spoke to my partner about doing a duo group and offering services as professional musicians, and he immediately accepted. After graduating, we began performing professionally at the usual bars and restaurants. However, something we always knew is that we enjoyed performing soft, elegant music. As you may know, it’s not the type of music that attracts audiences at bars and most regular restaurants. But, after getting the chance to peform at our first wedding, it clicked to us that this was our place and where we could truly shine.

We officially became musicians that specialized in weddings and events in our country, Puerto Rico. For years, we performed at hundreds of weddings, at the most exclusive venues, worked with the top wedding planners and for high profile clients. Even got to travel for a luxury wedding in St. Marteen.

However, after a few years, it felt like we had hit the ceiling in our country. I especially felt like in order to continue growing, we could no longer stay in Puerto Rico. So we made the radical choice to move here to Atlanta. It’s been a year since moving and we have already traveled from Tennessee to Manchester to perform at weddings. A year of big changes and adapting to this new life and culture, but I’m really happy and excited for all the new opportunities ahead.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. When you grow up in Puerto Rico, you learn to live in a constant state of survival mode. My business in particular had to go through major obstacles like Hurricane Maria, the 2020 earthquakes and then the pandemic. I was very fortunate to be able to still continue performing and growing my business in between all of that chaos.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Luxury Weddings and Events Acoustic Singer and Soprano.
We specialize in performing for wedding ceremonies, cocktail parties, corporate events and many others where luxury and elegant music is the vibe. My clients know me and describe me as the girl with the angelic voice that makes them cry. That is something I’m actually really proud of. Moving my audience and making them feel emotions that bring them to tears with my music and singing, gives me a sense of purpose and makes me very happy.
What I think sets me apart is my vocal versatility. The ability to switch from popular romantic songs, to jazz, and then to opera. I also sing in multiple languages and offer my clients the choice to translate songs from English to Spanish and vice versa.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck, both good and bad has definitely played a major role in my life and business. Especially during Hurricane Maria. I was really struggling with no electricity, no running water and was literally collecting dirty water from the flooded appartment next door. But, I still had a good roof over my head, never had to go hungry and all my loved ones were alive and well. Unfortunately, many others weren’t so “lucky”. And like I said before, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be able to continue to perform and grow my business even after all those disasters and circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ishbelsoprano.com
• Instagram: @ishbel_weddingsinger
• Facebook: Ishbel: Wedding Singer
• Youtube: @IshbelSoprano

Image Credits
Angel López Photography

Camille Fontz: Wedding Photographer